October cinema guide: Thrillers, horror and fantasy take centre stage

Verity

This 2026 psychological thriller, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, officially arrives in theaters this October. The film follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete a famous book series after its original author, Verity Crawford, is rendered non-verbal in a severe car accident.

While staying at the author’s family home, Lowen uncovers a dark, hidden manuscript in which Verity admits to harming her children, triggering a fatal confrontation involving Verity’s husband, Jeremy. The story closes on a chilling, ambiguous note after a newly discovered letter challenges the truth behind the family’s tragic secrets.

Insidious: Out of the Further

This is a supernatural horror film serving as the sixth instalment in the Insidious franchise. The story follows Gemma, a dental hygienist who can bring objects and spirits from the ghostly Further into the living world. When an evil cult leader tries to use her powers to resurrect his followers, Gemma must protect her young daughter and defeat the dark forces.

Street Fighter

Set in 1993 during the classic arcade era, the 2026 Street Fighter film reunites estranged martial artists Ryu and Ken Masters when investigator Chun-Li recruits them for the high-stakes World Warrior Tournament.

Beyond the international fighting ring, the duo uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by the ruthless M. Bison and his criminal organisation, Shadaloo. To prevent global chaos, Ryu and Ken must overcome their personal rift and fight alongside international allies.

Whalefall

This survival thriller tells the harrowing story of a diver’s desperate fight for survival. Starring Austin Abrams as scuba diver Jay Gardiner, the film follows his mission off the California coast to retrieve the remains of his late father, played by Josh Brolin, which takes a catastrophic turn when Jay is swallowed whole by an 80-foot sperm whale.

Trapped inside the creature with just one hour of oxygen left, Jay must rely on his father’s harsh survival lessons while grappling with grief and emotional trauma to escape before time runs out.

Sense and Sensibility

Directed by Georgia Oakley, the 2026 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility offers a fresh, realistic take on the classic story. After their father’s death leaves them penniless, the Dashwood sisters move to a modest country home and struggle with love and strict societal rules.

Practical Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) hides her feelings for an honourable suitor, while her passionate sister Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles) falls for an unreliable man. Centred on sisterhood, the movie follows the young women as they navigate romantic heartache and sudden poverty.

Sacrifice

Director Romain Gavras’ thriller centres on troubled Hollywood actor Mike Tyler (Chris Evans), who attends a fancy charity party on a volcanic island with a wealthy businessman (Vincent Cassel) and his pop-star wife (Salma Hayek Pinault).

The gathering turns dangerous when a radical group led by a zealous cult leader (Anya Taylor-Joy) attacks the event. Taking three hostages to fulfil an ancient prophecy and save the world, the captors force the guests into a wild fight for survival filled with dark humour.

Clay Face

Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the story centres on Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries), a rising Hollywood actor from Gotham’s streets.

After a tragic accident leaves him disfigured, Hagen tries a dangerous experimental treatment that transforms his body into living clay. Now a shape-shifting monster, he launches a violent quest for revenge against those who failed him. The movie forms part of DC’s “Gods and Monsters” slate and co-stars Aaron Paul, Naomi Ackie, and Max Minghella.

Wicker

This is a dark fantasy film directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Set in a strict medieval village, the story centres on a fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who is constantly ridiculed for being single.

Frustrated by her neighbours, she hires a local basket maker, played by Peter Dinklage, to weave her a husband out of willow branches. Surprisingly, the wicker creation, played by Alexander Skarsgård, magically comes to life as a gentle and loving companion.

His devoted behaviour soon upsets traditional village norms, triggering intense envy and outrage among the closed-minded community.